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Cell-nanoplastics association impacts cell proliferation and motility
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Researchers used microfluidic-calibrated fluorescence microscopy to quantify nanoplastic accumulation across epithelial, endothelial, fibroblast, and immune cell types at concentrations matching human tissue measurements, finding that nanoplastics broadly impaired cell proliferation and reduced motility in T cells and fibroblasts, with polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene showing similar toxicity but markedly different cellular uptake and release dynamics.
Detection of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in human tissues has raised growing concern about their biological effects on tissue and cell function. While previous studies have examined MNP-cell interaction, most focused on limited cell and plastic types. Here, we present a comprehensive, quantitative investigation into how different types of nanoplastics (NPs) associate with and affect diverse cell types under physiologically relevant conditions. Using microfluidic-calibrated fluorescence microscopy, we quantify NP accumulation in cells in vitro and match cellular NP concentrations to levels reported in human tissues. While cell-associated NPs could be gradually released in vitro, they persist in vivo for over one month without detectable reduction in a mouse model. We discover that NP exposure at these levels broadly impairs cell proliferation across epithelial, endothelial, fibroblast, and immune cells, with cell type-dependent sensitivity. NP exposure also reduces motility in T cells and fibroblasts, with more complex effects observed in macrophages. Mechanistically, NP-cell association and trans-epithelial transport involved not only classical endocytic regulators but also pathways related to ion and water transport. Notably, NP association and release were highly sensitive to the extracellular fluid environment within the physiological range. By testing inhibitors of these pathways, we identified molecules that reduce NP-cell association and promote release. We further compared common NPs found in human samples and widely used in research: polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP). Although these NPs similarly impaired proliferation and motility, they showed markedly different cellular association and release dynamics. These findings reveal the impact of NPs on tissue cell functions and uncover novel regulatory pathways, establishing a quantitative framework for studying NP-cell interactions in biologically relevant conditions.
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This review summarizes existing research on how tiny plastic particles interact with cells in lab and animal studies, finding repeated signs of cell stress, including damage to cell structures and inflammation. Studies also detected plastic material in human blood and tissue samples, but the review states this does not prove the particles cause specific diseases.
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Scientists found that tiny plastic particles called nanoplastics can get inside liver and connective tissue cells from rats, and even sneak into the cell's nucleus, where DNA is stored. Cells exposed to these plastics showed signs of stress and damage, including swelling and higher rates of cell death, suggesting these ultra-small plastic particles may be more harmful than previously thought. While this study used animal cells rather than human cells, it raises important questions about what everyday exposure to nanoplastics (found in food packaging, water, and other sources) might mean for our own cellular health.
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Research progress on the cellular toxicity caused by microplastics and nanoplastics
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This review summarizes current research on how microplastics and nanoplastics cause damage at the cellular level. Researchers identified four main ways these particles harm cells: triggering oxidative stress, damaging cell membranes and organelles, causing inflammation, and disrupting DNA. The findings highlight growing evidence that plastic particles small enough to enter cells can interfere with fundamental biological processes.
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